Stereotypical and non-stereotypical behaviour

By Your Horse

28 September 2010 16:33

Stereotypical behaviour

Crib-biting and Wind-sucking

A crib-biter will grasp a fixed object with his incisor teeth and bite down on it. Thought to be linked to the digestive system, crib-biting is sometimes accompanied by wind-sucking, where the horse arches his neck and gulps down air, usually with a loud grunt. Chronic crib-biting can cause uneven wear of the teeth, but occasionally a horse will wind-suck without crib-biting.

Weaving

Weaving is thought to be linked to the locomotory system, signalling a desire to get going. The stationary horse moves his weight from side to side, usually with a corresponding head and neck motion, and sometimes lifting his forefeet as he sways. Weaving is performed at times of excitement such as feed times, or continuously in the stable or over the stable door. In severe cases, the action can put strain on joints and tendons, and cause abnormal wear to shoes or hooves.

Box Walking

A determined box walker will make repeated circuits of his stable or pace back and forth behind the door. Usually a result of anxiety due to confinement and separation from others in the horse’s herd, box-walking is sometimes triggered by an unusual commotion in the yard or a move to an unfamiliar stable. Excessive pacing can cause fatigue, weight loss, and wear and tear on ligaments and joints

Non-stereotypical behaviour

Wood Chewing

Relentless gnawing of wooden surfaces can damage both the stable and the horse’s teeth. Field fencing is often targeted by the horse, too. Wood chewing is sometimes associated with dental problems, parasites or a mineral deficiency.

Aggressive behaviour

This can be directed at people or other horses and may take the form of kicking, biting or other threatening head movements, such as teeth snapping.

Other habits that may indicate unsuitable management include pawing the floor, bed eating, door kicking and head nodding